How do you repair a zipper that comes apart while zipping up a sweatshirt?
By Dana from Palo Alto, CA
Don't throw it away!
Take a pair of pliers and clamp the slots on the pull to where they are a little closer together (narrower) this aligns the teeth of the zipper more securely. This has worked for me several times on different items.
Take a close look at the zipper teeth to see if any are bent, or missing. If this is the case you need to replace the zipper. Do you have a friend who sews, if you don't? Maybe trade her skill for something you can do for her. No money changes hands and you both benefit. Good luck.
I want to fix my boots so bad, but I don't know how. When I zip them up it starts to come open at the bottom so please tell me how to fix them. They are my favorite.
By Lindsay B.
I had to take my purse to the shoe repairman. Call and ask how much for a new zipper as to patch a zipper with any strain on it usually doesn't work or very long.
This may be a problem for a shoemaker. Separating zippers especially the nylon kind with small fine teeth are nearly impossible to fix.
You need to get a matching thread and a good needle. At the bottom of the zipper where it separates you need to stitch back and forth like you would do with zig-zag sewing machine in a stationary position.
This will hold the zipper closed so you can zip it up. If you have a shoe repair it would take them seconds to stitch it with their machine. I have repaired zippers like this for years. If you have any question, contact me at ... msharka AT aol.com
The advice of the other two ladies is valid and you really need to get this evaluated by a shoe repairman. However, I would try to repair it myself if it were me. If they are really good boots and worth the investment, I would go with what they advise. Good luck salvaging something you love.
Similar to Molly's idea but if you can't sew it I would put a dab of glue on the inside & outside of the zipper.
The metal zipper on my leather purse has started to separate after zipping, which defeats the purpose of zipping the bag. Is there a way I can fix it myself?
By Liz from Houston, TX
Measure it (or take it with you) and go to a fabric store and get a replacement zipper. They are not that hard to replace. Most dry cleaners will also replace zippers.
You can stitch right above the area that separates. The zipper will be shorter, but will still be usable.
The zipper on my coat does zip, but it splits open. How can I fix this?
I have a back pack that I really like, but the zipper has been burst by putting too many books in it. The zipper is plastic. Is there anything to do to repair it?
By Anne from Dry Prong, LA
Take it to a shoe repair shop and have a new zipper put in. Go for a heavier-duty one.
I have had this happen to my boys backpacks a lot! Not sure if I can explain well how I've fixed them but here goes. Take the end where your zipper is when open, cut one side and take your zipper off the track on that side. Try to zip it back on track right to where it'll zip. When you get it back on track and zipping right, then you take a needle and thread and sew the end of your zipper tracks back together, right above your cut.
I forgot if the teeth are messed up on the tracks it won't work it's gonna keep messing up and gonna have to replace zipper.This remedy will only help if the teeth aren't messed up. That's what my mom always called them she worked for Garan's for years.
I forgot if the teeth are messed up on the tracks it won't work it's gonna keep messing up and gonna have to replace zipper.This remedy will only help if the teeth aren't messed up. That's what my mom always called them she worked for Garan's for years.
My jeans zipper is separating from the bottom up after it is zippered. Help! These are my favorite pair.
By Patti N.
It could be an easy fix, as the tab may need replacing, or you may need a whole new zipper. If you don't know how to do this yourself, you can probably find a place or a person who can do this little repair for you.
I've been doing this for years. It works on metal and plastic zippers.
Thanks frugalsunnie for this link!
It is pretty inexpensive to get a new one put in if you can't fix it yourself. Most dry-cleaners offer this service.